‘Rural school buses will not fail under my watch’ — Vaz
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the Government’s Rural School Bus System will not fail under his watch.
Vaz made the declaration following what he described as a successful second day of the islandwide testing of the buses. Some 30 routes were tested across three parishes and, according to Vaz, all went well.
“Unlike yesterday, where we had some issues with tyres…And there were one or two mechanical issues yesterday. Today was seamless. So thanks for all the prayers and the support,” the minister said, adding that all tyres for the 110 buses arrived in Jamaica on Tuesday.
Noting that the testing of the buses should be completed on Thursday and Friday of this week, Vaz said the testing across 122 routes for 258 schools is crucial ahead of the resumption of school in September.
“Be reminded that this is an important step in terms of doing this test ahead of September morning, so that we can iron out and tweak as we need to, in terms of any circumstance that arises during these tests. Whether we have to change bus sizes, whether we have to make changes for other routes based on the incompatibility of the route and the buses,” he explained.
The ministry said three different bus sizes have been purchased, and the most suitable vehicle will be assigned to each route based on the results of the testing exercise.
“Do not be distracted by the disingenuous, evil, wicked thoughts that some have for these buses to fail September morning. They will not fail under my watch. They will not fail under my government’s watch,” Vaz charged.
